Tupolev Tu-154M Development Update #01

Tupolev Tu-154M Development Update

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you.

The response to the Tupolev Tu-154M since FSExpo has been incredible. We have received a huge amount of interest, wishes, suggestions, references, and personal stories from the community, and we truly appreciate every bit of it.

The Tu-154M is not just another aircraft in development for us. For Anatolii, it has always been a deeply personal project, shaped by family history and a lifelong connection to the type. Over time, it has become something very special for the whole team as well. The more time we spend with this aircraft, the more it reveals. It is technically fascinating, operationally unique, and full of details that make it very different from almost anything else in the simulator.

Our goal is therefore not simply to recreate the shape of a Tu-154M, but to capture as much of its character, complexity, and atmosphere as possible.

Systems 

Systems development is now in its final stretch.

One of the remaining major items is the implementation of the EFB. Of course, the real Tu-154M did not operate with a modern electronic flight bag. However, for simulator use, an EFB is an important tool for load planning, performance calculations, configuration options, and general usability. The goal is to support the simulation experience without taking away from the aircraft’s authentic three-crew character.

We have also received many questions about navigation options.

The Tu-154M will include the original Doppler navigation system for those who want to fully embrace the authentic operation of the aircraft. This is especially important for sim pilots who enjoy the classic workflow of a three-man cockpit and want to experience the aircraft as closely as possible to its original environment.

Alongside the Doppler system, we will also integrate the KLN90B as a more familiar navigation option. In addition, we are currently deciding between our own in-house GNS-XLS and the MSFS native UNS system. We will share more on that once the decision is final. 

3D Model 

In parallel, the 3D model continues to receive a lot of attention.

One important area is the tail section, which now features the authentic Tu-154 trim system. On the real aircraft, the entire horizontal stabilizer/elevator unit moves as one. At stronger trim deflections, this creates a distinctive edge between the elevator unit and the forward upper tail section — a small but very characteristic detail of the aircraft. 

The engine cowlings, engine mounts, and engines themselves are also receiving additional detail. For this work, we are using the Tu-154 maintenance manual, which contains a large number of illustrations, panels, access points, and component references. With Anatolii helping us bridge the language gap, we are currently working our way from the tail forward. This includes seam lines, rivets, intakes, exhaust areas, panels, structural details, and many other smaller elements that help give the aircraft its correct visual identity.

 Cockpit and Interior 

The cockpit is also going through another round of detail improvements and corrections.

For example, we found that the Flight Engineer panel had incorrect warning light versions installed, and we were not fully satisfied with the shape of several cockpit panels. These are now being corrected. A lot of the current work is fine-detail work: switches, panels, labels, surfaces, small geometry corrections, and the general lived-in character of the aircraft.

The interior is receiving similar attention. Even areas like the lavatory are being worked on with the goal of reflecting the character and operational history of the aircraft. Many of these details are inspired by the large amount of Tu-154 footage, photos, and reference material that exists thanks to enthusiasts, crews, and aviation historians around the world.

This kind of work is not always the most visible development milestone, but it is important for the atmosphere of the aircraft.

Liveries 

The Tu-154 has a rich and diverse history. It served airlines and operators from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, from government fleets to charter operations, and in many very recognizable liveries.We naturally want to reflect part of that history in the package.

The currently planned livery list includes: 

• Aeroflot NC
• Aeroflot OC
• Interflug
• UTAir
• Alrosa
• VIA
• Balkan Holidays
• Kazakhstan Air Force
• KMV – Kavkazskie Mineralnye Vody
• Daghestan Airlines
• LOT
• Pulkovo Airlines
• German Air Force Interim
• German Air Force
• Ural Air Lines
• CSA
• Malev
• Air Ukraine
• Sichuan Airlines
• Cubana
• China Northwest
• China Xinjiang Airlines

This list already covers a wide range of the aircraft’s operational life, but as always, references and community input are extremely valuable. 

Reference Support 

A project like the Tu-154M benefits greatly from real-world knowledge.

If you have access to useful references, documentation, cockpit photos, cabin photos, technical insights, operational memories, livery material, or any other information that could help us improve the aircraft, please feel free to reach out.

We cannot promise that every suggestion or reference will make it into the final product, but every useful piece of information helps us in the one way or the other.

What Comes Next 

More details on features, pricing, and release timing will follow in the coming months.

We are not ready to discuss a release date yet, because the remaining work depends on system completion, validation, testing, and the level of polish we want this aircraft to receive before release.

The Tu-154M is an unusual aircraft, and that is exactly why it deserves the time and attention it is getting. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support, enthusiasm, and knowledge mean a great deal to the whole team.

Reveal Trailer

You can watch the first reveal trailer here:

The real Tupolev 154M

In this video you can learn more about the background of the Tu-154.